Jacob Zuma to face trial for corruption

Former South African president, Jacob Zuma is to face prosecution for corruption, weeks after his resignation.

Head of South Africa’s national prosecuting authority, Shaun Abrahams, said on Friday that he would bring back a case against Mr Zuma relating to a 1990s arms deal worth up to $2.5billion.

The decision will compound the woes of Mr Zuma after the ruling African National Congress forced him to resign last month in favour of Cyril Ramaphosa, who defeated Mr Zuma’s preferred successor to become ANC leader last year.

The charges includes one count charge of racketeering, two charges of corruption, one charge of money laundering and 12 of fraud.

Mr Zuma is alleged to have sought bribes from a French arms company to support an extravagant lifestyle. His financial adviser at the time was found guilty of soliciting those bribes in 2005 and Mr Zuma was later sacked as deputy president.